I’ve noticed many people on Facebook who have over 1000 Facebook friends. I cannot fathom knowing 1000 people well enough to call each of them “friend.” I think I have about a dozen people whom I would consider a friend. The idea that a person can have 1000 friends cheapens what the word means to me. My problem is not with people who have lots of Facebook friends; it is with Facebook’s notion of what the word friend means. The 1828 version of Webster’s dictionary says the following:
One not inimical or hostile; one not a foe or enemy; also, one of the same nation, party, kin, etc., whose friendly feelings may be assumed. The word is some times used as a term of friendly address.
1000 acquaintances I can see, 1000 friends? No way.
Friendship is rooted in an investment of time in another. Modern society has accelerated everything, including the perception that friendship can be formed in a moment and produce fruit without an investment of oneself. A friend is a rare thing in this world; a friend is a gift. How many friends can you honestly say you have?
Be thankful for each one you can count as friend.
Father, thank you for my friends. I am grateful for the way they show me your forgiveness and patience through them. Please give me the grace and love to walk as a friend with those you have put in my life.
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